A WOODLAND family resort has been relaunched after a £3m three-year redevelopment.

Whitemead Forest Park in Parkend has revamped its accommodation, bar and restaurant area, communal facilities and venues.

The development includes several ‘glamping pods’ – individual wooden cabins featuring futon and bunk beds, and full amenities – with more to be installed later this year.

Designs have placed an emphasis on creating “the ultimate haven to relax and unwind”, while the resort revamp has created four more full-time jobs.

Owned by membership organisation Boundless (formerly CSMA Club), Whitemead’s redevelopment was unveiled on Tuesday, May 2, at a special relaunch event.

A group spokesman said the newly-configured restaurant has been designed to provide “an intimate and sophisticated dining experience”, while the new café layout offers a “bustling and vibrant atmosphere”.

Mandy Thomas, Whitemead Forest Park general manager, said: “I and all of the staff are really excited about the changes to the resort, and it’s really pleasing to be able to provide additional jobs for people in the area as a result.”

Carl Fillery, chief executive of Boundless, added: “The £3m that has been invested in developing the park is aimed at creating a relaxing and stylish haven within the beautiful woodland surroundings that we’re lucky to be at the heart of.

“The reconfigured shared space gives guests the choice of either a more intimate, or a more communal experience, including a range of options for dining and entertainment.

“All accommodation has been brought up to the same high standards, and we’re really excited to now reopen to provide guests with the ultimate forest holiday experience.”

The bar has been relocated to become a focal point for the main communal area, and the function venue, which is available to hire for weddings, parties and corporate events, has been redecorated in line with the rest of the space, enhanced by a brand new ceiling and lighting scheme.

The park’s 32 premier apartments and 12 log cabins – all self-catering – have been newly decorated throughout, and have been fitted with “stylish” new kitchens, flooring and bathrooms – including en-suites, as well as “luxurious” new soft furnishings, and lounge and dining furniture.

The park’s camping and caravanning pitches have also been resurfaced, roadways widened and the area landscaped within its forest setting.

A new guest services desk has been positioned at the park’s main entrance to welcome guests, and has been integrated with the resort’s shop which will also extend its opening hours.

A second phase of development is currently being planned to allow the outdoor dining area to be covered, which will provide additional dining capacity all year round.